| Inter Toronto vs. Vancouver FC Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT York Lions Stadium in Toronto, Ont. Watch Live: OneSoccer Tickets available here |
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Inter Toronto's pivotal homestand continues on Sunday at York Lions Stadium, where they'll host Vancouver FC in a game that could firmly cement the playoff picture.
It'll be Toronto's third game in a week, having banked draws against Forge FC (1-1) and Pacific FC (3-3). Entering the weekend, they sit 10 points behind Vancouver for the fourth and final postseason berth.
The good news for Toronto is they've only played 19 games — two fewer than Vancouver's 21. However, the club certainly feels they've missed opportunities this past week. They only have nine matches left to make up that gap, so there's no margin for error, but taking three points directly off VFC this week would help a lot.
Vancouver are an opponent with restored confidence after a big 3-2 win at home over FC Supra du Québec last week. In that game, they fell behind 2-0 in the first 15 minutes, but they battled back with gusto to win 3-2.
As a result, the Eagles remain entrenched in fourth place. Vancouver have 30 points from 21 games, with an eight-point cushion above their closest challengers Supra.
Although VFC looked somewhat vulnerable before last week, when they'd lost three in a row without scoring a goal, they appear to be back to their usual selves with a formidable attack.
These two sides last met in Langley back on July 4. That was a statement match for Vancouver, who won 4-0 with all four goals coming in the first half. However, Inter Toronto would much prefer to replicate Vancouver's last visit to York Lions Stadium, when they beat the Eagles 1-0.
Not many games remain in the regular season for these sides; the pressure is truly on.
NEWS & NOTES
- Inter Toronto forwards Julian Altobelli and Shola Jimoh are both considered day-to-day, per coach Mauro Eustáquio. Neither player has been ruled out for Sunday's game, but any appearance would likely be limited. Striker Sebastian Gonzáles is available again after serving a two-match suspension.
- Vancouver's Emrick Fotsing continues to rehab his hip injury and is expected to miss at least another week.
- Toronto winger Ariel Almagro is one yellow card away from a suspension for accumulation.
PROJECTED STARTING XIs
Inter Toronto: Campos; Singh, Sturing, León; Guzmán, Yeates, Bassett, Córdova; Clarke, Skublak, Almagro
Vancouver FC: Irving; Doner, Field, Campagna, Proctor; Pecile, Polisi; Amissi, Mezquida, Bah; Mousset
